The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 28, 2006
Filed:
Dec. 30, 2003
David A. Schleppenbach, West Lafayette, IN (US);
Wunji Lau, West Lafayette, IN (US);
Joe P. Said, West Lafayette, IN (US);
David A. Schleppenbach, West Lafayette, IN (US);
Wunji Lau, West Lafayette, IN (US);
Joe P. Said, West Lafayette, IN (US);
Purdue Research Foundation, West LaFayette, IN (US);
Abstract
Various apparatus and methods for an actuator and display using one or more shape memory springs. A shape memory spring is heated and urges a pin to a first or extended position. The pin may be supported in the first position by a supporting mechanism. The shape memory spring is heated electically, and in some embodiments under the control of a processor. The present invention may be used to display information provided in a user interface from a computer program, including text, numerical data, and graphical images.